Knot tying machine for tying spaced overhand knots



Nov. 29, 1949 w. F. H AACK KNOT TYING MACHINE FOR- TYING SPACED OVERHAND KNOTS 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed April 19, 1947 W. F. HAACK 'Nov'. 29, 1949 KNO'I TYING MACHINE FOR TYING SPACED OVERHAND KNOTS Filed April 19, 1947 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR ATTORNEY Nov. 29, 1949 w. F. HAACK I KNOT TYING' MACHINE FOR TYING SPACED OVERHAND KNOTS Filed 'Apjril' 19, 1947 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 I an INV/ZNTOR.

W. F. HAACK Nov. 29, 1949 KNOT TYING MACHINE FOR TYING SPACED OVERHAND KNOTS 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed April 19, 1947 m m m w.

prises a Patented Nov. 29, 1949 UNITED- STATES OFFICE KNOT TYING MACHINE FOR TYING SPACED OVERHAND KNOTS:

William F. Hawk, Phoenix, Ariz. Application April. 1-9, 1947- Serial No. 742.593 15 Claims. (c1. '2-s-.-1

This invention relates toa knot tying machine. More particularly. it relates to a knot tying machine; adapted to tie overhand knots in series in cord, twine, yarn, thread or the like; for example for the purpose of producing textiles having a pinpoint efiect.

It is an object; of the present invention to provide an improved knot tying machine. of the character described.

It is a further object of theinvention to provide a knot tying machine capable of tying overhand knots in series in cord, twine, yarn or the like, at a rapid rate and with accuracy of perform? ance. It is a still; further object of; the invention; to provide a knot tying machine. of the character described whichis capable of" high speed, 3.09115 rate operation and which-is adiustableto adjust the spacing of the: knots.

These and other objects of the invention will be apparent from; the ensuing: description and the appended claims.

One form which the invention may assume is exemplified by way: of example in the. accomr panying, drawings, in. which:

Figs. 1 and 2 are plan views of the knot tying machine showing the loop forming hook and the loop in successive stages of operation;

Figs. 3 to are more. or less diagrammatic views, with parts, omitted for purposes of simplification and clarity; showing the rotor and shuttle in top plan view and showing also the loop forming hook in successive stages of forme ing a loop and drawing the loop, into a tight knot;

Fig. 11 is a front elevation of the, machine;

Fig.12 is a view: in side elevation of the twine take-up mechanism as viewed along the line l2-l2 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 13 is a view in side elevation of the knot releasing mechanism as viewed along the line l3l3 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 14 is a sectional plan view takenalong the line l4i4 of Fig. 11, with certain parts omitted and illustratingthe mechanismfor actuatingthe loop forming hooks;

Figs. 15 and 16 are views similar to that of Fig. 14 but with the frame member shown; in Fig. 14

omitted and showing; the mechanism of Fig. 14'

in difierent stages of operation.

Referring now to the drawings, andmore particularly to Figs. 1, 2' and 11, the machine comframe 9 in which a main spindle I0 is journalled at H and 12. A pulley li'i is fixed to the spindle l0 and it is intended, that a counterclockwise movement (as viewed in Fig. 1) be: imparted to the pulley 51, hence to the spindle ID, from any suitable source of power (not shown). A rotor i3. is fixed to the upper end of the spindle H such rotor having a hollow or cup-like shape. A cam 2| and a loop-carrying hook I9- are fixed to and project radially from the rotor 13 as shown in Figs. 1 and 1-1, the hook 19 being disposed near the rim and the cam 2| at the bottom of; the rotor and the hook l9 being disposed slightly in advance of the cam 2|. A stud 22 is fixed; to and depends from the bottom the. ot r as s o n. F hep n po e an o rat on o he: a 2 t hoo and h s ud. e pla ned; e t

A shu t e 3- also provide having a cupha ed ec 2, whichis n nd to. r y a spo l 15 oi; twine mounted on a shuttle spindle la which s. fix d o the. bottom. of t e up and is disposed eooentrically with respect to the rotor, as will be seen frorn- 11;. The shuttle 3. is provided with a rim; or flange; 3a. and; a web 3b, and the dense. 3c; rests upon therimof the rotor. The rotor is; also provided witha vertical flange 59 for centering; the shuttle; in the rotor. The flange 5'9 does not extend entirely aroundthe shuttle and, as is best shown; in Figs. 1 and 2, between the ends of the; flange 59 the rim 3a is recessed at 10' andat 'lI andaisa formed. with a loop receivingpoint orhook l4 and a knot releasing point v or hook I5; I he shuttle 3 is intended to frictionally engage the rotor l3 only to a degree such that counter-clockwise rotation of the rotor willcarry it tothe position shown in Figs. land 2 thatis, with the, knot releasing point [5 abutting a bracket 50; which is fixed to the frame of the machine, but; such that the shuttle 3 is free to, move in a clockwisev direction when an appropri-ate force; is applied; to its web 3b in the manner and forthe purpose described hereinafter.

A loopforming mechanism is also provided comprising a pairofconverging hooks 29 mounted on a bracket or arm 29o; which-is non-rotatably mounted on one end; of a shattflz which is journalled inarms 433a and 43b; at one end of a bracket 43. Bracket 4,3is-non-rotatably mounted at its other end on: a hollow shaft 46 which is journalled in the frame; of the machine. The hooks 2 9 are intended to form loops in the twine and to this-end; they are actuated by the mechanism now to be described with particular referenceto Figs-1 4, 15 and 16.

Hollow'shaft 4.6 is-concentric to a solid shaft 41 which is lso. iournalled' in the frame of the, ma-

chine. A sector gear 25 is fixed to the upper end of the shaft 41. Gear 26 meshes with a bevel pinion 21 which is fixed to one end of a shaft 42a which is journalled in the bracket 43 at 43c and 43d. To the other end of shaft 42a is fixed a bevel pinion 28 which meshes with a bevel pinlon 28a fixed to the shaft 42. The hollow shaft 46 and the solid shaft 47 are relatively rotatable, and the hollow shaft 46 is actuated through the medium of a lever 45a which is fixed thereto while the solid shaft 41 is actuated through the medium of a lever 45 which is fixed thereto. Lever 45a is connected by a link 25a to a lever 44a which pivots on a stud 59 fixed to the frame of the machine. Lever 45 is similarly connected by a link 25 to a lever 44 which also pivots on the stud 50. As illustrated, either of .the links 25 and 25a can be adjusted by attachment at selected holes 12 formed in the levers 44 and 44a.

Rollers 54 and 54a are fixed to the levers 44 and 44a respectively, and these rollers are held in contact by springs and 5|a, respectively, with cams 24 and 23, respectively, the springs 5| and 5 la being fixed to the frame at 60.

The cams 23 and 24 are fixed to the main spindle Ill. The cam 23 is formed with a high dwell 13 comprising continuous sections m, q, and s, a low dwell k, a recede t and a rise 1. The cam 24 is formed with high dwells m and s which are in registry with the similarly designated sections of the cam 23, a low dwell k which is in registry with the similarly designated low dwell of cam 23, another low dwell p, a recede t and a rise 1 in registry with the similarly designated portions of cam 23, and it is also formed with a rise r and recede n on opposite sides of the low dwell 10.

Motion is imparted to the hooks 29 as follows: At the commencement of a cycle, the hooks 29 and the cams 23 and 24 will be in the relative positions shown in Figs. 16 and 7. It will be seen that both rollers 54 and 54a are riding the coinciding high dwells m of the cams 23 and 24. Consequently, no movement is imparted to the hooks 29. Soon thereafter, roller 54 rides down the recede n of cam 24, thus allowing lever 44 to pivot counter-clockwise as viewed in Figs, 1.4 and 16, under the tension of spring 5|. Through link 25 and lever 45, solid shaft 41 is rotated counterclockwise, and consequently sector gear 26 is also rotated counter-clockwise. Through the medium of pinion 2T, shaft 430, pinions 28 and 28a and shaft 42, hooks 29 are rotated or twisted to the position shown in Figs. 3 and 14. A brief dwell occurs and then roller 54 rides up rise 1" to high dwell s, thus restoring hooks 29 to the position shown in Fig. 16. Meanwhile no motion has been imparted to bracket 43. Subsequently, both rollers 54 and 54a ride down the recede t of cams 23 and 24, respectively. This imparts the same twisting motion to the hooks 29 as described above and it also, through the medium of lever 44a, link 25a, lever 45a and hollow shaft 46, rotates bracket 43 counter-clockwise, thus resulting in dipping hooks 29 as well as twisting them. Thereafter a brief dwell occurs and then the rollers 54 and 54a ride up the rise 1 to the high dwells m, thus completing a cycle of operation.

The twisting and dipping movements of the hooks 29 thus described are intended, in cooperation with other elements of the machine, to take a bight in the twine, form a loop, and then form a knot and draw it tight.

It is also necessary, of course, to provide a feeding movement for the twine, and this is accomplished by means of a twine take-up mech- 4 anism which is best shown in Figs. 1, 11 and 12. The twine take-up mechanism comprises a, takeup roller 8 fixed to one end of a shaft 55 and constructed of resilient material, and an idler roller 1. The shaft 55 is journalled in the frame of the machine, and fixed to its other end is a ratchet gear 3|. The ratchet gear 3| is held in fixed position by a pawl 36, except as it is advanced in increments in a clockwise direction by means of a pawl 35. The pawl 35 is actuated by a lever 30 which is mounted on the hub of the ratchet gear 3|, and a torsion spring 34 serves normally to hold the lever 30 and pawl 35 in a retracted position which is determined by a stop pin 53. The stop pin 53 may be located in any of a series of holes 53a formed in the frame of the machine,

thus governing the permissible effective strike, hence the degree of advancement of the ratchet During each revolution of the rotor l3, the stud 22 strikes the lever 3|], thus imparting an increment of clockwise movement to the ratchet gear 3|, hence also to the roller 8.

For a purpose that will appear hereinafter, means are provided for imparting a single oscilla tion to the shuttle 3 during each cycle or revolution of the rotor |3. Such means, best shown in Figs. 11 and 13,'comprises a pin or stud 58 mounted on a lever 31. The stud 58 projects radially and inwardly of the shuttle 3 adjacent the web 31) thereof. Lever 31 is fulcrumed on the frame of the machine at 31a and it is urged in a clockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 13 by means of a spring 39 fixed at one end at 39a to the machine frame and at its other end to a lug or ear 4| formed on the lever. The ear 4| serves also to limit clockwise movement of the lever 3'! and an ear 40 is provided, which projects inwardly and radially of the rotor I3 so as to contact the cam 2| once during each cycle or revolution. It will be apparent that each time such contact is established, the shuttle will be rotated clockwise as viewed in Figs. 1 and 2 so as to separate the knot releasing point I5 momentarily from the bracket 5a. However, after cam 2| has passed the lug 49, shuttle 3 will be carried by the rotor back to its normal position abutting the bracket 5a.

In operation, the machine functions as follows:

A spool l of twine is placed on the shuttle spindle la and the twine is threaded through an opening 4 in the shuttle. The pulley 51 is rotated man- .ually until the loop forming hooks '29 are in the position shown in Fig. 1. The twine is looped over the hooks 29 and shuttle, to form a loop 32, as illustrated, care being taken that the twine is led over a spring guide Wire I5 and between guide wires H and I8. The guide'wire H3 is fixed at one end at 6a to the shuttle'and at its other end it extends through a guide slot 52 formed in a web member 30. The twine is also threaded through a hole 5 formed in bracket 5a and through a knotting guide 6, thence between rollers 1 and 8. Of course, operation may be commenced at some other stage of the cycle, if so desired, care being taken that the twine is led through the machine in a manner which is appropriate to the selected stage. I

As the machine commences and continues to operate, the following operations are performed on the twine, particular reference being made to Figs. 1, 2 and 3 to 10:

Loop forming hooks 29 are raised (without being twisted) from the position shown in Fig. 1

to that shown: in Fig. 2, thus taking a bight in the-twine. --Then hooks 29 are twisted (without amass motion about the axis or shafts 4e ens-m through approximately 276" from the position shown in Fig. 2 to that shown in Fig. 3, thus forming a loop-33; A dwell occurs during which I the loop carrying hook is on rotor ['3 passes between the ioop forming hooks 2'9 and through the loop 33, lifts the icon clear of'thehooks ['9 (it will be seen from Figs. 3 to 5 that the loop follows a sloping pathrrom e to f on hook t9 so as to clear theh'ooks' '29) ,"and deposits the loop on the loop receiving some H. The loop thus formed is carried by the is about the rim 3a of the s'hu'ttie as illustrated in Figs. 7 to 10.

Meanwhile hooks is are twisted (Figs. 6 and '1) and are dipped to the position shown in Fig. 10, in readiness for thenext cycle or operation.-

Meanwhile also, the preceding loop 32 is being drawn into a knot released and Withdrawn from the machine. This is a "'omplished by the -take up mechanism comprising take up roller 8 and idler roller i. These receive intermittent movement in the manner described hereinabove, and such movement is timed and adjusted to draw the loop 32 into a tight knot on the end of the knot releasing point [5, as is illustrated in Figs. 3 to 8. Bracket 5a prevent-s release of the knot until it has been drawn tight,.and at the appropriate instant the knot is released by clockwise movement of the shuttle 3; whieh is accomplished by the stud 58 in the mannerdescribed 'hereinabove. It will be evident, of course, that clearance for the twine while loop is being drawn into a knot is provided by the recesses 10 and II in the shuttle rim 3a, and that the loop is guided onto the point H: by the guide wires 11 and I8. The guide wires I! and I8 also retard the twine so as to prevent an overthrow of the loop when it has cleared the shuttle. To prevent overthrow when the loop has cleared the pointJS; a guide wire 56 is also provided, as shown in Fig. 1.

The guide wire 16, during travel of a 3100;) about the shuttle, will be drawn inwardly along the slot 52 to about the position indicated as [8b in Fig. 2, and at about the. instant of release of a knot from the point released and will spring back to its normal, outward position, thus assisting in clearing the twine for re-engagement with the loop. forming hooks 29.

It will thus be apparent that ,a knot tying machine has been provided which effectively ties knots in twine. The machine is adjustable to space the knots as desired and it is capable of tying knots at high speed. The machine embodies numerous features which provide nicety of control, safety and dependability of operation, and ease and accuracy of. a'djusti-n'ent.

While I have shown the preferred form of my invention, it is to be understood that various changes may be made in its construction by those skilled in the art Without de arting from the spirit of the invention as defined the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A machine for tylh over-hana knots comprising: a frame; a shuttle holder rotatably mounted on said rramei; means io'r rotating said shuttle holder; a =shuttle mounted on said shuttle holder; a spool 'retamer formed in said shuttle; a cord spool mounted guide provided on the sideoisaid retainer and a second cord guide mounted "on said frame adjacent the periphery of said shuttle holder, cord from said spool being arranged to pass successively through said *andsccond :guidesg' 2.

IS, the wire IE will also be in said retainer; '2. first cord cord take up device mounted on saidname for periodically taking up a predetermined length of the-cord passing through said second guide; opposed peripherallyspaced, cord loop receiving and knot releasing hooks formed on the periphery of said shuttle; a looping hook arm mounted on said frame and a looping hook journaled therein; means responsive to the rotation ofv said shuttle holder for periodically moving said arm and loopi'ng hook over said cord loop receiving hook and for periodically rotating said looping hook whereby said looping hook periodically takes a bight on that portion of said cord disposed between said first and second guides and forms it into a'loop in alignment with said loop receiving hook; a cord loop clearing hook provided on the periphery of said shuttle holder and arranged to engage said cord loop and to carry it around said shuttle to said knot releasing hook, said knot releasing hook being normally in engagement with said secand cord guide to restrain said cord from passing thcrethrcugh; and means responsive to the rotation or" said shuttle holder for periodically retracting said shuttle so as to disengage said knot releasing hook from said second cord guide.

2. A machine for tying overhand knots comprising: a frame; a shuttle holder rotatably mounted on said frame; means for rotating said shuttle holder; a shuttle mounted on said shuttle holder; a spool retainer formed in said shuttle;

a cord spool mounted in said retainer; a first cord guide provided on the side of said retainer and a second cord guide mounted on said frame adjacent the periphery of said shuttle holder,

cord from said spool being arranged to pass successively through said first and second guides; a cord take-up device mounted on said frame for periodically taking up a predetermined length of the cord passing through said second guide in response to the rotation of said shuttle holder;

opposed peripherally spaced, cord loop receiving and knot releasing hooks formed on the periphcry of said shuttle; a looping hook arm mounted on said frame andalooping hook journaled therein; means responsive to the rotation of said shuttle holder for periodically moving said arm and looping hook over said cord loop receiving hook and for periodically rotating said looping hook whereby said looping hook periodically takes a bight on that portion of said cord disposed between said first and second guides and forms it into a loop in alignment with said 100p receiving hook; a cord loop clearing hook provided on the periphery of said shuttle holder and arranged to engage said c'ord loop and to carry it around said shuttle to said knot releasing hook, said knot releasing hook being normally in engagement with said second card guide to restrain said cord from passing t-erethrough; and means responsive to the rotation of said shuttle holder for periodically retracting said shuttle so as to disengage said knot releasing hook from said second cord guide.

3. A machine for tying overhand knots comprising: a frame; a shuttle holder rotatably mounted on said frame; means for rotating said shuttle holder; a shuttle mounted on said shuttle holder; a spool retainer. formed in said shuttle; a cord spool mounted in said retainer; a first cord guide provided on the side of said retainer and a second cord guide mounted on said frame adja cent the periphery. of said shuttle holder, cord from said spool being arranged to pass succescord take-up device mounted on .said frame for Bper'iod'ic'ally taking up a predetermined length inf the cord passing through said second guide; opposed peripherally spaced, cord loop receiving and knot releasing hooks formed on the periphery of said shuttle; a looping hook arm pivoted to said frame and a looping hook journaled therein; means responsive to the rotation of said shuttle holder for periodically swinging said arm and looping hook over said cord loop receiving hook and for periodically rotating said looping hook whereby said looping hook periodically takes a light on that portion of said cord disposed between said first and second guides and forms it into a loop in alignment with said loop receiving hook; a cord loop clearing hook provided on the pe- 'riphery of said shuttle holder and arranged to engage said cord loop and to carry it around said shuttle to said knot releasing hook, said knot releasing hook being normally in engagement with said second cord guide to restrain said cord from passing therethrough and means responsive to the rotation of said shuttle holder for periodically retracting said shuttle so as to disengage said knot releasing hook from said second cord guide.

4. A machine for tying overhand knots comprising: a frame; a shuttle holder rotatably mounted on said frame; means for rotating said shuttle holder; a shuttle mounted on said shuttle holder; a spool retainer formed in said shuttle;

a cord spool mounted in said retainer; a first cord guide provided on the side of said retainer and a second cord guide mounted on said frame adjacent the periphery of said shuttle holder,

I cord from said spool being arranged to pass successively through said first and second guides; a cord take-up device mounted on said frame for periodically taking up a predetermined length of the cord passing through said second guide; opposed peripherally spaced, cord loops receiving and knot releasing hooks formed on the periphery of said shuttle; a looping hook arm mounted on said frame and a looping hook journaled therein; :means including cams rotating in response to the rotation of said shuttle holder for periodically :moving said arm and looping hook over said cord "Iloop receiving hook and for periodically rotating said looping hook whereby said looping hook periodically takes a bight on that portion of said cord disposed between said first and second guides and forms it into a loop in alignment with said loop 'receiving hook; a cord loop clearing hook provided on the periphery of said shuttle holder and arranged to engage said cord loop and to carry it around said shuttle to said knot releasing hook,

said knot releasing hook being normally in engagement with said second cord guide to restrain said cord from passing therethrough; and means responsive to the rotation of said shuttle holder for periodically retracting said shuttle so as to disengage said knot releasing hook from said second cord guide.

' cord take-up device mounted on said frame for periodically taking up a predetermined length of :ihe cord passing through said second guide; op-

posed peripherally spaced, cord loop receiving and knot releasing hooks formed on the periphery of said shuttle; a looping hook arm mounted on said frame and a looping hook having a pair of laterally spaced, parallel prongs journaled therein; means responsive to the rotation of said shuttle holder for periodically moving said arm and looping hook over said cord loop receiving hook and for periodically rotating said looping hook whereby said looping hook periodically takes a bight on that portion of said cord disposed between said first and second guides and forms it into a loop in alignment with said loop receiving hook; a cord loop clearing hook provided on the periphery of said shuttle holder and arranged to engage said cord loop and to carry it around said shuttle to said knot releasing hook, said knot releasing hook being normally in engagement with said second cord guide to restrain said cord from passing therethrough; and means responsive to the rotation of said shuttle holder for periodicallyretracting said shuttle so as to disengage said knot releasing hook from said second cord guide.

6. A machine for tying overhand knots comprising: a frame; a shuttle holder rotatably mounted on said frame; means for rotating said shuttle holder; a shuttle mounted on said shuttle holder; a spool retainer formed in said shuttle; a cord spool mounted in said retainer; a first cord guide provided on the side of said retainer and a second cord guide mounted on said frame adjacent the periphery of said shuttle holder, cord from said spool being arranged to pass successively through said first and second guides; a cord take-up device mounted on said frame for periodically taking up a predetermined length of the cord passing through said second guide; op-

, posed peripherally spaced, cord loop receiving and knot releasing hooks formed on the periphery of said shuttle; a looping hook arm mounted on said frame and a looping hook journalled therein; means responsive to the rotation of said shuttle holder for periodically moving said arm and looping hook over said cord loop receiving hook and for periodically rotating said looping hook whereby said looping hook periodically takes a bight on that portion of said cord disposed between said first and second guides and forms it into a loop in alignment with said loop receiving hook; a cord loop clearing hook provided on the periphery of said shuttle holder and arranged to engage said cord loop and to carry it around said shuttle to said knot releasing hook, said knot releasing hook being normally in engagement with said second cordguide to restrain said cord from passing therethrough means responsive to the rotation of said shuttle holder for periodically retracting said shuttle so as to disengage said knot releasing hook from said second cord guide; and spring means mounted on said shuttle for maintaining said cord loop under tension during the time that it is being carried around said shuttle.

'7. A machine for tying overhand knots comprising: a frame; a spindle journaled in said frame; a shuttle holder fixed to one end of said spindle for rotation therewith; means for rotating said spindle; a shuttle mounted on said shuttle holder; a spool retainer formed in said shuttle; a cord spool mounted in said retainer; a first cord guide provided on the side of said retainer and a second cord guide mounted on said frame adjacent the periphery of said shuttle holder, cord from said spool being arranged to pass successively through said first and second guides; a cord take-up device mounted on said frame for periodically taking up :a predetermined length of the cordpassing through'saidsecond guide; opposed peripherally spaced, cord loop receiving knot releasing hooks formedonithe periphery of said shuttle; a looping hook arm mounted on said frame a .looping hook journaled therein; means responsive to the notation of said shuttle holder for periodicallymoving said armand loopi ng hook over said cord loop receiving hook and for periodically rotating said looping'hook whereby said looping hook periodically takes a hight on that portion of said cord disposed between said first and second guides and forms it into a loop in alignment with said loop receiving hook; a .cord loop clearing hook provided on the periphery of said shuttle holder and arranged to engage said cord loop and to carry it around said shuttle to said knot releasing hook, said knot releasing hook being -normally in engagement with said second cord guide to restrain said cord from passing therethroug'h; and means responsive to the rotation of said shuttle holder for periodically retracting said shuttle so as to disengag said knot releasing hook from said second cord guide.

8. A machine for tying overhand knots comprising: a frame; a shuttle holder rotatably mounted on said frame; means for rotating said shuttle holder; a shuttle mount-ed on said shuttle holder; a spool retainer formed in said shuttle; a cord spool mounted in said retainer; a first cord guide provided on the side of said retainer and a second cord guide mounted on said frame adjacent the periphery of said shuttle holder, cord from said spool being arranged to pass successively'through said first and second guides; a cord take-up device including a pair of engaging rollers mounted on said frame for periodically taking up a predetermined length of the cord passing through said second guide; means for periodically rotating one of said rollers in response to the rotation of said spindle; opposed peripherally spaced, cord loop receiving andknot releasing hooks formed on the periphery of said shuttle; a looping hook arm mounted on said frame and a looping hook journaled therein means responsive to the rotation of said shuttle holder forperiodically moving said armand looping hook over said cord loop receiving hook and for periodically rotating said looping hook whereby said looping hook periodically takes a bight on that portion of said cord disposed between said first and second guides and forms it into a loop in alignment with said loop receiving hook; a cord loop-clearing hook provided on theperiphery of said shuttle holder and arranged to engage said cord loop and to carry it around said shuttle to said knot releasing hook, said knot releasing hook being normally in engagement with said second cord guide to restrain said cordfrompassing therethrough; :endmeans responsive to the rotation of said shuttle holder for periodically retracting said shuttle so as to disengage said knot releasing hook from said second cord guide.

9. A machine for tying overhandfknots com- 7 prising: a frame; a shuttle "holder rotatably mounted on said :frame; -means for rotating said shuttle holder; a shuttle mounted on said shuttle holder; a spool retainer formedin saidrshuttle;

a :cord spool mounted'in said retainer; a first cord guide provided on itherside of said retainer and a second .cord guide mounted .on said frame .adjacent the periphery of said shuttle holder, cord from said spoolbeing arranged to pass successively through said first and second guides; a

10 cord take-up device mounted \on said frame for periodically taking up a predetermined length of the cord passing through said second guide in response to the rotation of said shuttle holder; op-

I posed peripherally spaced, cord loop receiving and knot releasing hooks formed 2011 the periphery of said shuttle; a looping hookarm pivoted to said frame and a looping hook ,journ-aled therein; means responsive to the rotation :of said shuttle holder for periodically swinging said arm and looping hook over said cord loop receiving hook and for periodically rotating said looping hook whereby said looping hook periodically takes a bight on that portion 10f said cord disposed between said first "and second guides and for-ms it into a loop in alignment with said loop receiving hook; a cord loop clearing hook provided on-the periphery of .saidshuttle holderand arranged to engage said cordloop and to carry it around said shuttle to said knot releasing hook, said knot-releasing hook being normally in engagement with said second cord guide to'restrainsaidcord from passing therethrough; and means responsive to the rotation ofssaid shuttle holder for periodicallyretracting said shuttle so as to disengage said knot releasing hook from said second cord guide. l

10. A machine for-tying overhand knots comprising: a frame; a shuttle holder rotatably mounted on said frame; means for rotating said shuttle holder; ashuttlemounted on said shuttle holder; a spool retainer :Eormed said shuttle; a cord spool mounted in said retainer; a first cord guide provided on the side of said retainer and a second .cord guide 'mounted on said frame adjacent the periphery of said shuttle holder, cord from said spool being arranged to pass successively through said first and second guides; a cord take-up device mounted on said'iram-e for periodically taking up a predetermined length of the cord passing through said second guide; opposed peripherallyspaced, cord loop receiving and knot releasing hooks formed on the periphery of said shuttle; a looping hook arm pivoted to said frame and a looping hook journalled therein; means including cams rotating in response to the rotation of said shuttle holder for periodically swinging said arm and looping hook over said cord loop receiving hook andfor periodically rotating said looping hook whereby said looping hook periodically takesa bight on that portion of said cord disposed between said-first and second guides and forms it into a loop in alignment with said loop receiving hook; a cord loop clearing hook provided on the periphery of said shuttle holder and arranged to engage said cord loop and to carry it around said shuttle'to said knot releasing hook, said knot releasing hook being normally in engagement with said second cord guide .to restrain said cord from passing therethrough; and means responsive to the rotation of said shuttle holder for periodically retracting said shuttle so as to disengage said knot releasing hook from said said second cord guide.

11. A machine for tying overhand knots comprising: a frame; a spindle journaled in said frame; a shuttle holder fixed to one end of said spindle for rotation therewith; means for rotating said spindle; a shuttle mounted on said shuttle holder; a spool retainer formed in said shuttle; a cord spool mounted in said retainer; a first cord guide provided on the side of said retainer and a second cord guide mounted on said frame "adjacent the periphery of said shuttle holder, cord from said spool being arranged to pass successively through said first and second guides; a cord take-up device including a pair of engaging rollers mounted on said frame for periodically taking up a predetermined length of the cord passin through said second guide; means for periodically rotating one of said rollers in response to the rotation of said spindle; opposed peripherally spaced, cord loop receiving and knot releasing hooks formed on the periphery of said shutttle; a looping hook arm mounted on said frame and a looping hook journaled therein; means responsive to the rotation of said shuttle holder for periodically moving said arm and looping hook over said cord loop receiving hook and for periodically rotating said looping hook whereby said looping hook periodically takes a bight on that portion of said cord disposed between said first and second guides and forms it into a loop in alignment with said loop receiving hook; a cord loop clearing hook provided on the periphery of said shuttle holder and arranged to engage said cord loop and to carr it around said shuttle to said knot releasing hook, said knot releasing hook being normally in en gagement with said second cord guide to restrain said cord from passing therethrough; and means responsive to the rotation of said shuttle holder for periodically retracting said shuttle so as to disengage said knot releasing hook from said sec ond cord guide.

12. A machine for tying overhand knots comprising: a frame; a spindle journaled in said frame; a shuttle holder fixed to one end of said spindle for rotation therewith; means for rotating said spindle; a shuttle mounted on said shuttle holder; a spool retainer formed in said shuttle; a cord spool mounted in said retainer; a first cord guide provided on the side of said retainer and a second cord guide mounted on said frame adjacent the periphery of said shuttle holder, cord from said spool being arranged to pass successively through said first and second guides; a cord take-up device mounted on said frame for periodically taking up a predetermined length of the cord passing through said second guide; opposed peripherally spaced, cord loop receiving and knot releasing hooks formed on the periphery of said shuttle; a looping hook arm pivoted to said frame and a looping hook journaled therein; means including cams rotating in response to the rotation of said shuttle holder for periodically swinging said arm and looping hook over said cord loop receiving hook and for periodically rotating said looping hook whereby said looping hook periodically takes a bight on that portionof said cord disposed between said first and second guides and forms it into a loop in alignment with said loop receiving hock; a cord loop clearing hook provided on the periphery of said shuttle holder and arranged to engage said cord loop and to carry it around said shuttle to said knot releasing hook, said knot releasing hook being normally in engagement with said second cord guide to restrain said cord from passing therethrough; and means responsive to the rotation of said shuttle holder for periodically retracting said shuttle so as to disengage said knot releasing hook from said second cord guide.

13. A machine for tying overhand knots comprising: a frame; a shuttle holder rotatably mounted on said frame and provided on its periphery with a cord loop clearing hook; means for rotating said shuttle holder; a shuttle mounted in said shuttle holder, said shuttle being provided with a peripheral cord loop receiving hook and with a peripheral knot releasing hook; means for normally restraining said shuttle against rotation with said shuttle holder; a spool receiving cup formed in said shuttle, said cup being provided on one side thereof with a cord guide; a spool mounted in said cup; a loopin hook arm mounted on said frame for movement to and away from said shuttle and over said cord loop receiving hook; a looping hook journaled in said frame; means responsive to the rotation of said shuttle holder for actuating said looping hook arm and for rotating said looping hook in a predetermined sequence; a cord take-up device mounted on said frame; and means responsive to the rotation of said shuttle holder for period-' ically actuating said cord take-up device.

14. A machine for tying overhand knots comprising: a frame; a shuttle holder rotatably mounted on said frame and provided on its periphery with a cord loop clearing hook; means for rotating said shuttle holder; a circular shuttle mounted in said shuttle holder; means for normally restraining said shuttle against rotation with said shuttle holder; a spool receiving cup formed in said shuttle, said cup being provided on one side thereof with a cord guide; a spool mounted in said cup; a looping hook arm mounted on said frame for movement to and away from said shuttle; a looping hook journaled in said arm; means responsive to the rotation of said shuttle holder for actuating said looping hook arm and for rotating said looping hook in a predetermined sequence; a cord take-up device mounted on said frame; and means responsive to the rotation of said shuttle holder for periodically actuating said cord take-up device.

15. A machine for tying overhand knots comprising: a frame; a shuttle holder rotatably mounted on said frame and provided on its periphery with a cord loop clearing hook; means for rotating said shuttle holder; a shuttle mounted in said shuttle holder, said shuttle being provided with a peripheral cord loop receiving hook and with an opposed peripheral knot releasing hook; a finger mounted on said frame formed with a cord guide, said knot releasing hook being normally in registration with said guide to restrain the passage of cord therethrough; a spool receiving cup formed in said shuttle, said cup being provided on one side thereof with a cord guide; a spool mounted in said cup; at looping hook arm mounted on said frame for movement over said loop receiving hook; a looping hook journaled in said arm; means responsive to the rotation of said shuttle holder for actuating said arm and for rotating said looping hook in a predetermined sequence; a cord take-up device mounted on said frame; and means responsive to the rotation of said shuttle holder for periodically actuating said cord take-up device.

WILLIAM F. HAACK.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 560,560 Woschyllo May 19, 1896 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 634,046 Germany Aug. 14, 1936 

